Nicole Richie Puts A Pea In The Pod

When I was pregnant, I took a trip to A Pea in the Pod in midtown Manhattan. I was looking for jeans that would fit my rounding belly. It was both a confusing and emotional time for me. I can close my eyes and see myself sifting through the racks of blousy shirts, running my finger down a wall of indigo and declining a complimentary beverage more than three times. Buying maternity clothes was something that validated my pregnancy. The physical was for the world to see now, not just for me to know about in my head while I distracted myself with work. JD's father had left by this time, and as I watched fathers-to-be sit slouched on the cushy couch just outside the bank of fitting rooms, I felt a rush of anxiety. Hearing the dialogue between the men and their wives that day made me want to stay behind that curtain and never come out. I was in a store full of people, and I felt like the only person on the planet. I visited A Pea in the Pod this weekend...

I went to look over Nicole, an exclusive collection by Nicole Richie. I pushed JD's stroller through the maze of racks, and JD let his hand rush through the clothes like he was tipping over a wall of dominoes. He giggled at the cool touch of the fabric tickling his fingers.

I adore this flutter-sleeve blouse. Printed with an entanglement of leaves, this silk top is airy and spirited. And I thought seriously about buying one in a size small, belting it at the waist and pairing it with a pair of skinny jeans and T-strap sandals. So attention to any pregnant women who did buy this top--it is extremely wearable, and you can certainly repurpose it postpregnancy. At least, I would.

Next, this paisley-print smock dress with spaghetti straps and a classic square neck jumped out at me. Misshapen cutouts in hues of blue and green zigzag and blend together like hip patchwork on a quilt you want to wear. The ruched bust provides womanly shape, while the body of the dress is lightweight and breathable, perfect for steamy August days, or paired with a cardigan, a fall evening out. Style is not compromised with this look. Is it ever with Harlow's mom? No.

I left the store smiling, tucking my little notebook in my diaper bag and promising JD a "squishy cup" of Italian ice that he would inevitably get all over himself. Smiling, too, because I managed to emerge from that cocooned fitting room that was framed with mirrors. It was March, and there was snow on the ground. I pushed my back against the door and a rushing push of hot hair swept across our faces. The sun was out.

Some questions: Are you loving the Nicole line too? Do you still wear maternity clothes even though you are no longer with child? I sleep in Michael Stars maternity tank tops--so comfy!!! Did you wear non-maternity clothes when you were pregnant? I lived in tunics from *Urban Outfitters. *